Asphalt shingles have cemented their place as one of the most popular and trusted roofing material choices in Canada. With over 50% of Canadian homes opting for asphalt shingle roofs, there are good reasons why they remain the roof of choice. This article delves deeper into why asphalt shingles are so well-suited for Canadian climates and what makes them a preferred choice for Canadian homeowners.
Durability for Harsh Canadian Winters:
One of the main reasons why asphalt shingles became popular in Canada is because of their durability against extreme weather conditions such as heavy snowfall, strong winds, and sub-zero temperatures during winters. Made from organic and inorganic felt materials that are saturated and coated with asphalt, asphalt shingles can withstand prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures and still maintain their integrity. Their layered construction traps air and provides excellent insulation against heat loss during winters. This makes them highly resilient to cracking, tearing or becoming brittle even after years of exposure to Canadian winters. When installed properly with additional sealing around potential leak points, asphalt shingle roofs can last up to 25-30 years with little to no repairs even through several harsh Canadian winter seasons.
Affordability:
Another big selling point of asphalt shingles is their affordability compared to other roofing materials. On average, asphalt shingle roofs cost between $100 to $400 per 100 square feet for installation, depending on the thickness, quality and warranty period of the shingles used. This makes them a very cost-effective option for Canadian homeowners looking for roofing materials suited for their climate at an affordable budget. When factoring in their longevity of over 20 years with minimal repairs, asphalt shingles also offer good long-term value for money compared to options like cedar shingles or metal roofs that may have higher upfront costs. Many asphalt shingle manufacturers also offer transferable lifetime warranties on premium laminate and dimensional shingle lines, further sweetening the deal.
Wide Availability and Installer Expertise:
Another major reason for the popularity of asphalt shingles among Canadian homeowners is their widespread availability across the country. Asphalt shingles are manufactured by several major brands at production plants located across Canada as well as the United States. This ensures excellent supply and just-in-time delivery to roofing material distributors even in remote areas. There is also a large pool of experienced roofing contractors trained and certified in installing asphalt shingle roof systems. This coupled with advancements in installation techniques and accessories has ensured asphalt shingle roofs installed in Canada rarely face problems if best practices are followed. Canadian homeowners can easily find licensed local installers for asphalt shingles through recommendations or online search.
Aesthetic Styling Choices:
While longevity and affordability are key factors behind choosing asphalt shingle roofs, many homeowners also appreciate the variety of color and styling options available. Leading manufacturers offer over a dozen shingle color families ranging from earthy woodland shades to bright modern colors. Popular Canadian color schemes like gray, brown and black blend seamlessly into the natural landscape. There are also designer line options with thicker laminated construction and added features like larger shingle tabs, rippling stripes or three-dimensional texture to make the roof stand out aesthetically. Canadian homeowners can thus easily find asphalt shingle choices to suit their architectural style preferences and complement the exterior siding colors. Many options are also algae resistant for maintaining colors over the years.
Environmentally Sustainable:
Asphalt shingles have gained a recognition in Canada as one of the more eco-friendly roofing material choices. Up to 97% of an asphalt shingle is made from recycled materials like asphalt bits, felt, mineral sand and granules. The manufacturing process also reuses rejected shingles sent for disposal. Additionally, many asphalt shingle manufacturers participate in recycling programs to recover unused material and scrap from job sites. This recyclable nature significantly reduces asphalt shingles' environmental footprint over their multi-decade lifespan. New PlantPure asphalt formulas are even biodegradable and support recycling goals for construction waste. Asphalt shingles thus present a sustainable roofing solution, especially in areas far from large cities with curbside recycling services.
Conclusion: With over half a century of reliable usage across Canada, asphalt shingles have well-established their position as the trusted roofing choice for Canadian homeowners. Their durable design suited to harsh climate extremes, affordable costs, wide availability and installers' expertise, customization options and eco-friendly properties make them the preferred material of choice. As long as they are installed correctly by certified professionals, asphalt shingle roofs in Canada can withstand the test of time and weather while protecting homes with low-maintenance for decades to come. Their prominence is therefore set to last well into the future of Canadian residential construction.